One of Two Things

Susan skipped her lunch, and waited in the parking lot
Her teacher said the bookmobile was due to come at one o'clock
Her teacher said the smell, sweet and heavy through the door
Were the thoughts of all the people who had read the books before
The driver had painted coloured waves and swirls upon the bus
Made pipecleaner antennae for the kids afraid of bugs
Hardback for a quarter, softcovers for a dime
The Coats of Benny Bunny and The Boy Who Passed Through Time

Susan wished one of two things
That the pipecleaners were wings
Or that the seats were hollowed out so she could stow herself away
In books where girls are saved

Susan had ten dollars she'd stolen from the purse
Her teacher was concerned, contacted Susan's mom at work
"I don't know if you knew, we have the bookmobile today, I sent a letter asking that each student bring small change"
Later on that evening the books were in a stack
"We are taking each and every one of those young lady back"
Through her crying she asked the driver when he'd come again
We winked but woudn't say his rounds were coming to an end

Susan wished one of two things

Seven years along it's Susan's first month on the stroll
The mobile clinic's STD prevention and control
Inside the smell of latex, perfume and cigarettes
The girls all giggle practicing on prosthetic penises
The clinic offers hot drinks and meals each second night
Susan stands alone inside, the bus is under lights
The paint job is a thin white wash and underneath is another world of green and purple waves, blue and yellow swirls

Susan wished one of two things...